The Role of Innovative Work Behavior and Proactive Behavior in Mediating Employee Engagement and Performance at Public Universities

Abstract

Recent research studies increasingly point to employee engagement (EE) as a key factor driving employee performance (EP). However, theoretically and empirically, there is still a gap in the relationship between EE and EP. Therefore, the role of innovative work behavior (IWB) and proactive behavior is used to mediate this gap. This study examines the relationship between EE and EP mediated by IWB and proactive behavior. This research was conducted on 164 employees (academic staff) selected from 11 public universities in Semarang. The results of the data analysis showed that EE has a significant effect on IWB, proactive behavior, and EP. Meanwhile, IWB and proactive behavior significantly mediated the relationship between EE and EP. This study will assist organizational management in improving organizational performance and effectiveness through EE. This will encourage employee behavior through IWB and proactive behavior can improve EP. This research will provide positive results for academic staff in state universities who will benefit from EE, IWB, and proactive behavior to drive increased EP. The originality of this study is that it uses employee behavior in the form of IWB and proactive behavior to mediate EE and EP, which study in this area is still limited. Similarly, EE studies are generally used in private organizations, whereas this research is conducted in the context of public universities.